The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-03-03
his was all the evidence on the Majors

side.
On the other hand, Mr. Timothy Trap
swore positively TO Cicely, the Majors
mare, and declared his firm belief-though
he declined actually to swear to it-that the
Major was the man who robbed nina He
could not see his features for the mask that
covered them, but the figure was as like the
Majors build as was possible.
The witnesses cross-examination by the
Majors counsel only made matters worse
for being asked how he came to know the
Major and his mare so we'll, he replied that
in his capacity of traveller for Li1sey &
Son, Of the Golden Fleece, Cheap5ide, ne
was constantly at Plumberton, and in conse-
quence was well acquainted by sight with
both biped and quadruped. Cross-eyed
Dick, the hostler OF the Wheatsheaf, was
finally called (it was noticed that this wit
ness gave his evidence very willingly He
declared that when he awoke, soon after
daybreak, he visited the stable where
Cicely was, the mare showed decided signs
of having been out in the night since he had
fed and bedded her down She was splashed
all over with mud and looked very much
distressed. Asked if he mentioned the
circumstance to the Major or any body else,
he replied he did not, because, in the first
instance, he was afraid of the Major aud in
the second thought it was no business of
his.
The trial of Major George Brabazon. late
OF His Maiesty's-th Regiment of Foet, is
over, and the prisoner has been found gaiI.S
and sentenced TO death. a petition, signed
by nearly every one in the county-high
and low-had been sent up to His Majesty
IN London, but to no purpose. Too many
gentlemen of late had taken TO the road, and
an example was needed. There was no heir
for it. Every thing that could be done had
been done, and there was nothing more tc
do now but to wait for the end. The only
cheerful person concerned, oddly enough.
was the Major himself. "a man can die
but once" said he. But l should have
liked to have had one more gallop on my
dear old Cicely before l came to an end
However, it can't be helped am quite
innocent of it all, that's one consolation, anC
| think you may take my word for it that
George Brabazon will die game"
The execution was fixed to take place or
the Monday following the trial, on a gallows
erected on Hangman's Heath, close to the
scene Of the outrage. The preceding Sun
day was sad one, you may depend, to the
inhabitants of Plumperton. Sermons were
preached abiding to the sad event in all the
churches, and people spoke with bateC
breath of the tragedy that was to be enacted
on the morrow.
The tide was to turn, though, in mosf
unexpected manner At nine o'clock IL
night, when the streets were still full o.
ioiterers, horseman came gathering
through the town, whose disOrdcred attire
and the iaded appearance of his stced de
noted that he had come from distance
Pulling up at the first group Of loiterers he
came to, he eagerly inquired the neares'
way TO the jail.
I've free pardon for Major Brabazon |
who was left for execution on the morrow
In my pocket" said he, land | must give i |
into the Governors hands at once"
Fifty willing guides were found at once
to show the messenger the way to the |
prison. Meanwhile the good news spread |
Like wildfire. The town went mad with de |
light. The women shed tears of joy, thu !
men shouted and yelled until they were
hoarse A mob that soon mustered some
thousands rushed off to the Jail, and cheereC |
until the Governor of the prison made hi. |
appearance and addressed the crowd
1t was all true, he said. The Major wa, |
an innocent man. A prisoner lying in New |
gate under sentence of death had confessed !
hat he was the stranger who had dineC J
with the Major at the Wheatsheaf on the |
night OF the robbery; that with the aid o.
CrosS-eyed Dick, the hostler, he had alb |
'tracted the Majors mare for the occasion |
IA portion Of the mob rushed off at thi,
CONT IN search of Cros-eyed Dick on whom
they vowed summary vengeance). had rid
len forth, robbed the mail, restored the
mare to her stable, and taken his departure
IN his own horse before the Major was I'D
That's the story, boys" said the Gov
ernor. NOW go away, and come here to
morrow morning at eleven o'clock and fetch
your friend Major George away. Come il
Tour thousands, if you like" added he
angling.
Three cheers for the Major Az, three
lines three! And three for the Governor
The mob cheered them both, and the mare
Ind the Widow Thomson, until they were
loarse-also thirsty. They they went away
=
Bells pealing, people shouting, every
)ody in his best clothes, and all assembled
front OF Plumperton jail to greet the
iaJor on his return from captivity A little
pace Is kept clear close TO the prison gates
n which space carriage and four is drawn
p, containing the Widow Thomson and her
rlend. Mrs. Matchum, both in their smart.
st attire, and both in tears. Behind the
arriage, held by the Majors groom, stands
'icely, the innocent cause of all the mis-.
hief, submitting patiently TO the attentions
+ the mob.
But, bark! the different clocks in the
own chime eleven.
A terrific roaring goes forth from the
as the huge prison gates slowly
pen at the last stroke of the hour
a still more terrific roaring goes forth as
he Major, apparently as fresh and well as
yer, appears, leaning on the Governors
rm. But just imagine what terrific
Disc there was when the mare CIcely was
cen to break from her attendant at the
rst sound of her old masters voice. and.
alloping up to where he stood, rub her soft ,
luzzle against his face and shoulders in
ne most loving manner possible, saying, as
lain as mare could Speak-''My dear dear
laster, am so pleased to see youl''
One touch of nature makes the whole ,
'orld kin. The Major, though hitherto he
ad borne up like man, could stand it NO
niger. This touching behavior on Cicely's
art was too much for him, and, fairly break.
lg down, he clasped his favorite round the
eek and wept aloud. Even the stern Gov !
nor was obliged to turn his head away. {
he Major, once more himself again, mount
Cicely, who arched her neck and whinnied
18th delight as he did so, and taking his
ace beside the carriage containing his fair |
lnce, move was made for home. How t
ng they took getting there 1t is impossible 7
say, but this is certain, by the time they ,
d get there Major Georges hands were
but wrung Off from the shaking they Z
lderwent en- route, and as for Cicely. she $
arcely had hair in her tail left, owing 20 |
e anxiety of the good people to possess a :
IF